Selfless Florianis

When the firefighters themselves also need help

The storm disaster flooded many houses - including those of firefighters who nevertheless helped others.(Bild: zVg)

They were there to help in times of greatest need, even when they themselves were struggling with the masses of water. Now the firefighters themselves are also to be helped. 

No fewer than 55,000 firefighters worked tirelessly to save lives and protect property from even greater damage during the devastating storm disaster. Many comrades were there for the general public, even though they themselves were victims of the flood in large numbers.

The water was 2.4 meters high
Like Ferdinand Donabaum, commander of the Rust fire department in the massively affected Tullnerfeld. His own house was 2.4 meters under water when he and his fire brigade rushed to the aid of others. The kitchen, living room, children's room - much of Donabaum's house was destroyed. "The help from the state is great, but it can't make up for all the damage," says the commander.

Like many of his comrades, Ferdinand Donabaum (center) worked tirelessly, even though his home was also severely damaged by the flood.(Bild: zVg)

For this reason, the Lower Austrian Fire Brigade Association launched a fundraising campaign for affected firefighters and called for solidarity. "We simply owe this help to our great members," says Didi Fahrafellner, the regional fire brigade commander.

Donations to the support fund of the Lower Austrian Fire Brigade Association, IBAN: AT71 4715 0305 4053 0001, keyword: "Support for fire department members"